Category: Football Africa

Morocco's Fouzi Lekjaa reiterates readiness to host Africa Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa reiterates readiness to host Africa Cup of Nations

President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, has reiterated Morocco's readiness to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year.

In a beIN Sports interview, he stated that the country’s preparations stem from years of planning and investment, rather than hurried efforts at the last minute.

He acknowledged the vision of King Mohammed VI, whose reforms over the past twenty years have focused on developing world-class sports infrastructure and cultivating football talent across the nation. “Thanks to His Majesty’s long-term vision, Morocco is poised to deliver a benchmark event that will set a high standard for future AFCON tournaments,” Lekjaa remarked.

The 2025 AFCON, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will take place across six cities in Morocco, each featuring newly constructed or completely renovated stadiums that rank among the most modern in Africa.

In addition to state-of-the-art venues, the country has bolstered its logistics, security, and hospitality services to meet global expectations.

Lekjaa emphasised that Morocco envisions this tournament as more than just a sporting event, viewing it as a celebration of African unity and solidarity. He noted, “This isn’t just about football; it’s a chance to showcase brotherhood across Africa.”

The North African country aims to combine its excellent infrastructure and hospitality to elevate continental competitions. For Lekjaa, the 2025 AFCON will highlight Morocco’s growing status as a global sports destination and honour the traditions that make the tournament a beloved African event.

Pyramids FC Advance after win defeating Auckland City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Pyramids Advance after defeating Auckland City in Intercontinental Cup

Pyramids FC has progressed to the next round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup after a decisive 3-0 win over Auckland City in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup Play-off.

Goals from Walid El Karti, Marwan Hamdy, and Mostafa Ziko were pivotal at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, as the dominant African champions triumphed over the tough challenge posed by their Oceania rivals.

Pyramids will now advance to compete against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, the champions of the AFC Champions League Elite, in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup – and are only two matches away from a chance at the Intercontinental Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Egyptians continued to press the visitors’ goal and thought they had scored again just before the half-hour mark. However, Mohamed Hamdy’s strong header was correctly ruled out for offside.

Auckland’s best chance came on a counter-attack. Dylan Manickum was clear on goal but missed wide, wasting a great opportunity for a surprise equaliser in the second half.

However, Marwan Hamdy ended any hopes for Auckland by scoring 16 minutes from time with a powerful header from close range.

Substitute Ziko then added a third goal, taking advantage of the tiring Auckland defence and curling a great shot inside the far post.

Al Ahli now waits for Pyramids. The winner of that match will face either Mexico’s Cruz Azul, the Concacaf Champions Cup winners, or the yet-to-be-determined CONMEBOL Libertadores champions.

Whichever team wins from that FIFA Challenger Cup match will go on to compete for the Intercontinental Cup against PSG, the champions of Europe.

Pyramids’ goal: Walid El Karti (14), Marwan Hamdy (74), Mostafa Ziko (85)

Sierra Leone U17 in Group B against Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea
by Football Sierra Leone

U17 qualifiers: Sierra Leone to meet Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea in Group B

Sierra Leone has been drawn into Group B for the upcoming WAFU-A Zonal Tournament, which serves as the qualifying competition for the prestigious 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17) football championship.

In this competitive group, Sierra Leone will face off against formidable opponents, including Senegal, Mauritania, and Guinea, in Group B.

Group A includes Mali, Liberia, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau, competing to qualify for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, with the top teams advancing to the tournament.

The tournament is set to take place from October 3 to October 18, 2025. Matches will be held at three key venues in Mali, which include: Stade Mamadou Konaté in Bamako, renowned for its modern facilities and capacity to host large crowds.

Stade Ouezzin Coulibaly, also located in Bamako, is known for its vibrant atmosphere during local and international matches.

Stade Mamadou Diarra H in Koulikoro, which offers a unique setting for both players and fans alike.

This tournament is crucial for these young athletes, as their performance could secure a spot in the continental competition, showcasing their talent on a larger stage and providing valuable experience in international football.

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho nets on Celtic debut
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho nets on Celtic debut

Debutant Kelechi Iheanacho scored for Celtic as they defeated Kilmarnock at Rugby Park 2-1 on Sunday in added time.

Iheanacho, who signed with Celtic on a one-year contract that includes an option for an additional year, earlier this month, has opened his account.

Celtic had the first chance early in the match when Liam Scales received a corner-kick but couldn’t hit the target.

They dominated possession for the first 20 minutes, holding nearly 80 per cent of the ball, but struggled to create clear chances as Kilmarnock defended deep.
Sebastian Tounekti made an impressive debut on the left wing for Celtic. After 30 minutes, he attempted a lob over the Kilmarnock goalkeeper but missed. He later set up Benjamin Nygren, who failed to score, while Cameron Carter-Vickers forced a save from Max Stryjek with a long shot.

Kilmarnock nearly scored early in the second half, but David Watson missed a free-kick opportunity. Celtic took the lead when Daizen Maeda scored a diving header from a Marcelo Saracchi cross. Ten minutes later, Nygren’s shot was blocked.

With 20 minutes left, Kelechi Iheanacho made his debut, replacing Maeda. Though Celtic created chances, they couldn’t add to their lead. Kilmarnock equalised with a header from Watson off a corner with under 10 minutes remaining.

In a dramatic finish, Celtic was awarded a penalty after a VAR handball check. Iheanacho scored with the last kick of the game, securing a 2-1 win and maintaining Celtic’s unbeaten start to the Premiership season.

DRC's Yoane Wissa to miss Newcastle encounter against Wolves
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DRC’s Yoane Wissa to miss Newcastle encounter against Wolves

Eddie Howe has revealed that Yoane Wissa will be absent from his Newcastle United debut this weekend.

The Congolese forward was set to make his first appearance for the Magpies after his £55 million transfer from Brentford in the recent transfer window.  

Howe stated that Wissa, 29, had sustained a knee injury while on international duty with the DR Congo and is still affected by it.  

“Sadly, he won’t be available for this match,” the Newcastle manager commented on his new addition.  

“I just saw him for the first time yesterday, and he’s still dealing with the effects of the injury he picked up just before he left [during international duty]. We will need to assess how he is.”  

When asked why he was prepared to invest such a significant amount to acquire the striker, Howe answered: “Finding an established Premier League goalscorer is quite rare and challenging.”

“He possesses exceptional qualities and had an outstanding year not just last year, but also in the year prior. He has a proven track record of scoring goals.

He has performed well against us and has been a challenging player to manage in our matchups. I genuinely admire the journey he has undertaken to reach this point, as it has not been easy for him.”